Dive into the latest whirlwind of gaming and tech news that’s been causing quite the stir this week. From sudden price hikes to corporate shake-ups, we’ve got the rundown on everything you need to know to stay in the loop.
The Latest in Gaming: Major Moves and Price Surges
In a surprising move, Codemasters has decided to exit the rally game genre, announcing that it will no longer develop games for the WRC franchise. The studio also has no plans to revisit or revive its own racing brands like DIRT. This marks the end of their journey with rally racing, leaving fans wondering what’s next for the beloved game developer.
Meanwhile, Xbox has stirred the pot by increasing the prices of its consoles globally. As of yesterday, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are now selling for €600 and €350, respectively, in Microsoft’s European stores. This represents a €50 increase from the previous day. The price hike is even more pronounced in the US, where the Series X has jumped by $100, despite maintaining its original price since 2020. Additionally, Xbox has announced that some new first-party games will see a price increase to $80, up from $70, by the end of the year.
Corporate Chaos: Vox Media, Valnet, and Fandom
In other news, Vox Media’s recent sale of Polygon to Valnet has left the gaming community in a buzz. Valnet, which also owns The Gamer, Game Rant, and OpenCritic, hasn’t made its intentions for the acquisition clear. However, they swiftly laid off almost all of Polygon’s staff following the purchase. Similarly, Giant Bomb is on the brink of significant change. The site’s essential database is at risk as it loses contributors due to disagreements with the new management of Fandom, which also acquired Gamespot in 2022. Fandom is currently undergoing a “strategic reset,” which could lead to unpredictable changes, none of which are anticipated to be particularly positive.
Legal Battles Heat Up: Epic vs. Apple Continues
In legal realms, the ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple has taken a new turn. A recent court ruling has forced Apple to allow alternative payment methods within apps available on its App Store. This decision comes after the same judge had previously mandated in 2021 that Apple should accept different payment forms, yet Apple continued to impose commissions. Tim Sweeney of Epic Games has celebrated this clear victory, announcing that Fortnite will return to iOS platforms next week.
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As we wrap up this week’s news roundup, it’s clear that the gaming and tech industries are in a state of flux, with major changes and challenges on the horizon. Stay tuned as we continue to follow these stories and more, ensuring you’re always in the know.
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Logan Whitmere is a gaming enthusiast who lives and breathes video games. Whether it’s reviews, gaming tips, or news about the latest releases, Logan’s passion and expertise bring the virtual world to life for every reader.